Over the summer, Texas signed into law that students cannot have use of their phones during the school day. With school just starting and students and teachers getting back into the routine, having the phone ban in effect does make the school environment different.
One of the hardest challenges students face with the phone ban is not having their phones to get in contact with their parents throughout the day.
“Texting my family when I need something, because it’s like there will be times I don’t have a car but then I need to text them that they need to pick me up at 2:30,” Lilia Taher (12) said.
With the ban in place, teachers like Richard Ferguson believe the ban will help students to be more constructive during class.
“I think it will allow the students to be more productive,” Law Enforcement teacher Richard Ferguson said.
Getting back into the routine of school with an active phone ban in place, has been a little different for students like Lilia Taher (12).
“Honestly, I mean it got me to just want to get school out of the way completely”, Lilia Taher (12) said, “so then I could just have free time when I get home. So it’s like I have nothing to do when I get home and I can just chill and relax which is great”.
Since the ban took place, teachers have witnessed students talking a lot more to each other in the classroom.
“They have been more talkative with each other since no phones have been in the classroom,” Richard Ferguson said.
With the phone ban in effect for the new school year, there have definitely been some challenges and difficulties navigating the day. With the new rules in place, students and teachers can help each other by staying positive and helpful throughout the day.